If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, then let me introduce you to the Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. This dish beautifully combines tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a luscious honey and sesame-infused sauce that’s both sweet and savory. The ease of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, coming home to a perfectly sauced dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, the subtle hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat make every bite addictive. Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to for an effortless yet incredibly satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and this recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples that work harmoniously to create a perfect balance of flavors. Each ingredient is chosen to add its own unique touch—whether it’s the rich nuttiness of sesame oil or the tangy zip from rice vinegar, they all play a crucial role in making this dish a standout.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds that essential umami kick without overwhelming the dish with salt.
- 1/2 cup honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, luscious glaze.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds depth and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Lends a bright, subtle acidity for freshness.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Provides a warm, nutty flavor that’s signature to sesame chicken.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a lively, zesty note that complements the sweet and salty flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry for smooth sauce thickening.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Add a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken thighs right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a savory bed that will soak up every bit of that incredible sauce you’re about to make. The thighs are perfect because they stay tender and juicy through slow cooking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Whisking these together ensures the flavors blend harmoniously, creating that signature sweet-and-savory glaze that makes this slow cooker honey sesame chicken recipe truly irresistible.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is coated in that delicious mixture. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You’ve got two time options: on low for 4 to 5 hours, which is perfect if you want to come home to a ready-made meal, or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours if you’re a bit short on time.
Step 4: Shred and Thicken
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove the thighs and shred them with two forks right in the slow cooker for minimal cleanup. Next, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water, then stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes. This last step thickens the sauce into a dreamy, glossy coating that clings to every succulent shred.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Finally, stir in the toasted sesame seeds, which add a bit of crunch and a gorgeous, nutty flavor. Now your slow cooker honey sesame chicken recipe is ready to be served!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor even further, sprinkle sliced green onions on top right before serving. Their bright color and mild onion flavor add freshness and a little crunch, making each bite more enjoyable and Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up all that amazing sauce. For more texture and nutrients, steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas are great choices. These sides bring color, balance, and a satisfying bite to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, consider serving the chicken over fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You could even stuff the shredded chicken into soft steamed bao buns or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun handheld twist. This slow cooker honey sesame chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and works well in many formats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slow cooker honey sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so give it a good stir or add a splash of water when reheating to refresh that perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, and leave some space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the shredded chicken and sauce on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a touch of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This will help maintain the chicken’s tenderness and bring back that lovely glaze without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are perfect for slow cooking due to their extra fat and moisture, chicken breasts can work too. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which is typically gluten-free. Just ensure the rest of your ingredients, like ketchup, don’t contain gluten if you need to be strict.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients, but be mindful of your slow cooker’s size to avoid overcrowding. Cooking times may be slightly longer if the slow cooker is packed full.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, a mild white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute, but use a little less to avoid overpowering the sauce’s delicate balance.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it’s optional and can be adjusted based on your preference. Leaving it out will keep the flavor sweet and savory without noticeable heat.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, you get a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. I encourage you to give this a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously tender and flavorful Asian-inspired main course perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Chicken thighs are cooked low and slow in a honey-soy sesame sauce, then shredded and thickened with a cornstarch slurry for a sticky glaze. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and veggies for a comforting, fuss-free meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks, breaking the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well to coat with the sauce.
- Final Cooking: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Add Garnishes and Serve: Stir in the sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for the soy sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.
- You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time slightly as breasts cook faster.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
